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Long County wraps up Relay

Long County Relay for Life organizers hosted their wrap-up party recently concluding the 2007 fundraiser. The event took place at the Long County Senior Citizens Center on June 25.Finger foods were served to all, followed by cake. Team captains, sponsors and organizers of the event were the primary people attending the gala. Mary Hamilton, who helped with a yard sale and a raffle to raise money for the cause said, “I had a real nice time, and am proud to have been a part of this year’s relay. Everyone who contributed can be proud of being a part of it.”American Cancer Society Senior Community Manager Sharon Proudfoot welcomed everyone and recognized local participation by presenting each team’s captain with a certificate of appreciation. Members who organized the event and set up the logistics and planning of the relay were given gifts and recognized.Paula Golden who was the captain of the Holly Good All-Star team said the wrap-up night was fun for all.“Everyone had a good time, and it was a good way to close out this year’s event,” she said.The evening was apparently fun for all and was highlighted with smiles and laughs, but it also brought emotion as cancer survivors once again were recognized. Becky Chambliss, who was the co-captain of the Courthouse Cancer Crashers team, was one of many who shed tears. The team had set a goal of $3,000, but raised $3,609, and received special recognition for the team raising the most money. One of the more heartfelt ways her team raised money was by raffling off a “Georgia Bulldog Throw” that had a special meaning to it. Chambliss’ stepfather Ralph Cox is currently fighting colon cancer. Her mother, Wyvette Cox, is a cancer survivor and made the “throw” when she went with her husband during his chemotherapy treatments.“We auctioned off the throw for the relay, and just knowing how it was made gave it special meaning,” Chambliss said.This was the second year Long County hosted a Relay for Life and the event raised more than $32,000.Michelle Poppell who was the other captain of the courthouse team said, “Being a team captain takes a lot of time and is a lot of work, but the rewards far outweigh the work. Everyone needs to experince it at least once. They’ll never forget it.”